"But I'm going along, just the same," declared Ralph, as Tavia stepped back to walk with him, so that the squire was obliged to go on with Alice, who really seemed to be enjoying the experience. The office of the justice of the peace was a dingy, dirty little place. It had served Dalton for the small needs of a public office for some years, Squire Sanders, of course, collecting a good income for its yearly rental. An old bench was stretched in front of the desk. The girls sank down on this, making queer "faces" and comical gestures. "My first offense!" sighed Alice, with mock sadness. "Same here!" said Tavia in similar tone. "Since you wish it," said Ralph to Alice, "I can act as counsel. You know I really am studying law, and there is nothing like taking cases for experience." "Now, no skylarking here," called out the squire, "I want to hear all about that case, let me see--the case of--I've got it somewhere," and he turned the soiled pages of the "records" over rather roughly, considering they were supposed to belong to the town of Dalton. Tavia was biting her lips. She felt every moment the laugh would get the better of her and get out on its own accord, but she tried bravely to suppress it. Ralph was whispering to Alice. Evidently he was pleased with the information she imparted, for he, too, smiled broadly as the squire called: "Octavia Travers, step up to the bar!" "What for?" asked Tavia saucily. "To swear--take your oath--make your affidavit," called the squire sharply. "What's the charge?" interrupted Ralph. "'Sault an' batt'ry," snapped the squire. "Who signed the warrant?" questioned Ralph further. "See here young feller!" and the squire rapped his cane vigorously upon the desk, "if you don't let me go on with this case I'll kick you out." "Oh, no, you won't. I have as much right here as you have, and I intend to see that you do not, in any way, insult the young ladies!" "You young scamp!" yelled the squire, making a dash for Ralph and bringing his cane down squarely on the young man's head, at which Alice and Tavia screamed. A moment later the men were scuffling on the floor. "I'll teach you!" the squire kept yelling. "Let me go!" shouted Ralph. "Oh, we must get help!" screamed Alice. "Tavia, run quick, to the office next door. That man is crazy. He will kill Ralph," and, while Tavia ran to one side of the place, Alice hurried to the other, so that all possible help would be called at once.